First Baptist Family of Asheboro, NC

John and I recently had the opportunity to be a part of the GPS (God's People Serving) mission team that went into one of our state's prisons for men.  A contemporary Christian music group (Building 429), fellowship and food (in the form of a Chick-Fil-A sandwich, cookie and coke) were all part of our efforts to reach out in Christ's love to the incarcerated men. We were very touched by" T" the young man who went forward at the end of the first session in response to the salvation invitation.  When I asked about his family, tears rolled out of his eyes and his story rolled out too.  He graduated from high school as a star wrestler and got a scholarship to Kansas State where he became an All-American.  Neither John or I understood the details of what caused him to be imprisoned but we know he was shot in the elbow and made some bad decisions.  He was sentenced to 30 months and he'd only been in prison for 2 days!  He said he was the first in his famil

A few months ago I made a trip to the Credit Union to access our safety deposit box, looking for a vehicle title.  At the bottom of the box I saw an old blue covered document.  It was the deed to our little house.  I opened it and the words “ Paid and Satisfied ” caught my attention and delight.  The property was paid for to the satisfaction of the loan company.  But something else gave me pause on that afternoon, a spiritual truth about the Cross of Christ.   And that is this, Jesus’ death on the cross atoned for my sins.   He took my place on a cross I deserved, “pierced for our transgressions and crushed for our iniquities.”   I bring good news on this side of the Cross.   Once and for all Jesus died for our sins.   It’s been paid in full.   Everyone here has had defining moments.   Let’s name a few.   When you turned 16 and got a license to drive, you would agree that was a defining moment.   The first speeding ticket was a defining moment! Graduating from high school

Let’s take a moment and quiet our minds and souls.   Take a deep breath.   Focus on Jesus.   The week is behind you.   We are here together to worship.   Know the One who created Heaven and earth willed you to be here this morning to have an encounter with Him. Abba, Father, find us a grateful people.   We are here to hear what You have to say.   Let our focus be on You.   Magnify the cross and open us up to what You have for us.   In Jesus name, Amen. I was glad Dr. Carpenter didn’t ask me to preach next Sunday.   You’ll have Mr. October, Mark Hall next week on Easter Sunday. Friday has always been my day.   I know today is Palm Sunday.   Resurrection is the zenith of all we do, but for some reason, Friday has been the day for me.   It’s a celebration. This week is sad for me. Jesus suffered on my behalf.   Friday is a reminder of the price that was paid for you and me.   I saw the Passion of the Christ movie once in the theater.   My brother is coming to visit and h

As we worship this morning we have great hope in what God is doing in our lives, and that is a hope that begins from the time we are young children. We resonate with stories of hope. We resonate with the desire about what God might do in our world and in our lives. This is something that is everyone shares together. We want to see our world restored. Growing up we read books about this such as the Lorax which stir that hope of redemption inside us. We also read books such as Winnie the Pooh which stir that desire of living in perfect community with one another and reflects how things should be. God instills in us a desire to be restored As we look in Matthew chapter 26, we look at this message and even as adults we have this desire within us to see ourselves restored and be made whole – the way God designed us to be. Even as we look at politics today, no matter what political party is running, the general themes and promises are about restoration and bringing people toget

Judas betrays Jesus (Luke 22, 47-48), wood engraving, published 1886 Have you been disappointed by a friend before?  The older we get the more painful this is.  Twelve friends, the disciples, have been with Jesus for several years.  All of them will hurt him.  When you’re four years old you can be hurt by a friend and after naptime you’re best friends again.  Jesus manages to still love those who hurt him.  How does he do that? In verses 47 and following one of the twelve is a betrayer.  Judas was in the inner circle.  Judas spent three years with Jesus.  They were together 24/7 for three years.  Jesus knew from the beginning this would happen.  Jesus chose to be close to someone who would hurt him.  Even though there’s a possibility we will get hurt we’re still called to make friends.  The Bible is about relationships.  Sin has broken our relationship with God and with each other.  Jesus experiences this.  Jesus will bear the sin of broken relationships.  Judas is about